The term “inoperative PAN” refers to a situation where a Permanent Account Number (PAN) issued by the Income Tax Department of India becomes invalid or non-functional. It means that the PAN cannot be used for filing income tax returns or conducting any financial transactions.

However, it is important to note that an inoperative PAN is not the same as an inactive PAN. An inactive PAN refers to a PAN that has not been used for any financial transactions or income tax filing. Inactive PANs can still be activated and used for filing tax returns or conducting transactions by providing the necessary information and fulfilling the required procedures.

The Income Tax Department has clarified that individuals who possess inoperative PANs should take necessary action to reactivate or update their PAN details. This is important to ensure compliance with tax regulations and to avoid any complications in the future.

If you have an inoperative PAN, it is advisable to contact the Income Tax Department or a qualified tax professional to understand the specific steps you need to take to reactivate or update your PAN. They will be able to guide you through the process and help you fulfill any requirements set by the tax authorities.